Automatic Analysis of Sewer Pipes Based on Unrolled Monocular Fisheye Images

The task of detecting and classifying damages in sewer pipes offers an important application area for computer vision algorithms. This paper describes a system, which is capable of accomplishing this task solely based on low quality and severely compressed fisheye images from a pipe inspection robot. Relying on robust image features, we estimate camera poses, model the image lighting, and exploit this information to generate high quality cylindrical unwraps of the pipes' surfaces.Based on the generated images, we apply semantic labeling based on deep convolutional neural networks to detect and classify defects as well as structural elements.Comment: Published in: 2018 IEEE Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision (WACV

Structural properties of InAlN single layers nearly latice-matched to GaN grown by plasma assisted molecular beal epitaxy

The high lattice mismatch between III-nitride binaries (InN, GaN and AlN) remains a key problem to grow high quality III-nitride heterostructures. Recent interest has been focused on the growth of high-quality InAlN layers, with approximately 18% of indium incorporation, in-plane lattice-matched (LM) to GaN. While a lot of work has been done by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) by Carlin and co-workers, its growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is still in infanc

Silage aus pannonischen Wicken (Vicia pannonica L.) und Zottelwicken (Vicia villosa L.) in der Schweinemast

Wir haben Wicken-Silage in der Fütterung von Mastschweinen getestet. Die Mastleistung und Schlachtkörperqualität waren zufriedenstellend und unterschieden sich nicht zwischen den beiden Wicken

Early diagnosis and better rhythm management to improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: the 8th AFNET/EHRA consensus conference

Aims Despite marked progress in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), detecting AF remains difficult and AF-related complications cause unacceptable morbidity and mortality even on optimal current therapy.Methods and results This document summarizes the key outcomes of the 8th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). Eighty-three international experts met in Hamburg for 2 days in October 2021. Results of the interdisciplinary, hybrid discussions in breakout groups and the plenary based on recently published and unpublished observations are summarized in this consensus paper to support improved care for patients with AF by guiding prevention, individualized management, and research strategies. The main outcomes are (i) new evidence supports a simple, scalable, and pragmatic population-based AF screening pathway; (ii) rhythm management is evolving from therapy aimed at improving symptoms to an integrated domain in the prevention of AF-related outcomes, especially in patients with recently diagnosed AF; (iii) improved characterization of atrial cardiomyopathy may help to identify patients in need for therapy; (iv) standardized assessment of cognitive function in patients with AF could lead to improvement in patient outcomes; and (v) artificial intelligence (AI) can support all of the above aims, but requires advanced interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration as well as a better medico-legal framework.Conclusions Implementation of new evidence-based approaches to AF screening and rhythm management can improve outcomes in patients with AF. Additional benefits are possible with further efforts to identify and target atrial cardiomyopathy and cognitive impairment, which can be facilitated by AI.</p

Midregional Proadrenomedullin (MRproADM) Serum Levels in Critically Ill Patients Are Associated with Short-Term and Overall Mortality during a Two-Year Follow-Up

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a peptide with pleiotropic effects in systemic inflammation. Its more stable precursor protein midregional proadrenomedullin (MRproADM) can be measured more reliably compared to ADM. Our objective was to investigate the potential role of MRproADM as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in critically ill patients at the intensive care unit (ICU). We therefore measured MRproADM in 203 ICU patients and 66 healthy controls. We found that MRproADM levels are significantly increased in critically ill patients as compared to healthy controls. MRproADM levels are significantly increased in patients with sepsis, but its diagnostic value for identifying sepsis is numerically lower than that of established markers (e.g., interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin). MRproADM levels are closely correlated to endothelial and organ dysfunction, inflammation, and established clinical scores (APACHE II, SOFA, and SAPS2). MRproADM concentrations correlate with vasopressor use but not fluid balance. Increased MRproADM levels (cut−off>1.4 nmol/L) in critically ill patients are independent predictors of ICU and overall mortality during a follow-up of up to 26 months (OR 3.15 for ICU mortality, 95% CI 1.08-9.20, p=0.036; OR for overall mortality 2.4, 95% CI 1.12-5.34, p=0.026). Our study demonstrates the potential of MRproADM serum levels as a prognostic biomarker in critical illness for ICU mortality and long-term survival during follow-up